Rare RUGER No. 1 #1 1-S 1S .35 Whelen Single-Shot Rifle, MFD 2016 Blued

SOLD FOR: $1825

LSB#: 220409KL004

Make: Sturm, Ruger & Co.

Model: No. 1 (1-S) #21302

Serial Number: 134-46994

Year of Manufacture: 2016 (Ruger Serial Number Lookup)

Caliber: .35 Whelen

Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Rifle

Markings: The stop of the barrel is marked with a Ruger warning and “STURM, RUGER & CO., INC. / SOUTHPORT, CONN. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked with “35 WHELEN” under a Ruger proof mark. The top of the receiver is marked “RUGER / No. 1”. The underside left of the receiver is marked with the serial number “134-46994”. The grip cap and buttpad are marked with the company’s phoenix logo.

Barrel Length: 24”

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade in-line dovetailed to a ramped banded base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a flip up u-notch dovetailed into the barrel rib which is notched for the included Ruger rings.

Stock Configuration and Condition: The stock is a two-piece checkered wood with pistol grip and Henry forend, pistol-grip, fluted straight comb, and an orange rubber buttpad. There are sling studs currently installed on the belly of the buttstock and the underside of the forend. The stock is free of any notable wear or damage. The LOP is 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The buttpad has only light handling marks. Overall, the stock is in Excellent condition.

Type of Finish: Stainless

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion, but some very minor stubborn fouling can be seen in a few spots. This will come away with a more dedicated cleaning.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% of its metal finish. The receiver has taken on a faint plum hue (common for Ruger firearms) and there is scant wear on the flats from storage in foam. The barrel has a few very minor nicks scattered about, most notable near the barrel rib. The screws have very minor tool marks with strong slots. All markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Excellent condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork, and Accessories: This No. 1 includes its serial-matching cardboard box, a security lock, Ruger rings, a pair of QD sling swivels, and its manual.

Our Assessment: The Ruger No. 1 was introduced in 1967 and at first blush would seem an odd design choice for what is effectively a modern rifle. Numerous repeating rifle designs had become the norm by the late ’60s and the single shot—certainly the falling-block single-shot—was on the outs with most hunters and target shooters at that time. But the brilliant success of the Ruger No. 1 comes from not only Bill Ruger’s uncanny ability to determine what will sell, but also the design’s embodiment of Ruger’s philosophy: simple, durable, reliable. The work of designers and manufacturers such as Harry Sefried, Lenard Brownell, and Larry Larson resulted in a timeless firearm that allows the shooter a slower, more deliberate hunt—it is an elegant weapon for a more civilized age. It has been chambered in nearly 50 different cartridges and continues to be manufactured and sold to this day. This example is in Excellent condition, manufactured in 2016, and is chambered for .35 Whelen. So named for Townsend Whelen, Army colonel and later Commanding Officer of Frankford Arsenal and designed by James of Howe of Griffin & Howe, the cartridge makes great use of .30-06 brass. Whelen is ideal for larger North American game up to Moose and is to this day well-regarded by shooters. No. 1 rifles are not produced in high numbers to start with, and far fewer are chambered in .35 Whelen. Do not pass this rifle up! Good luck and happy bidding!

Rare RUGER No. 1 #1 1-S 1S .35 Whelen Single-Shot Rifle, MFD 2016 Blued
Rare RUGER No. 1 #1 1-S 1S .35 Whelen Single-Shot Rifle, MFD 2016 Blued